Below are notes from today’s NCAA umpiring conference call.
Unless a situation clearly warrants immediate ejection, ejections should be proceeded by a proper warning from the umpire
It was clarified that adjustments to calls under the “getting the call right rule” could only be made prior to the next pitch or play, as opposed to later in an at bat or inning. These adjustments should be treated in the same manner as an appeal (whether or not an actual appeal is made by a competing team).
A reminder that in-stadium video scoreboards (i.e., Jumbotrons) are not to be used to overturn rulings made on the field.
Scenario: Batter squares around to bunt, then pulls back his bat, and (while pulling back his bat) contacts the catcher’s glove, the ruling is batter (rather than catcher) interference.
Scenario: Defensive coach ejected during mound visit for arguing balls and strikes. Replacing coach may go to mound and continue conference without it counting as a second visit to the mound.
Scenario: Runners on 1st and 2nd attempt double steal. Batter interferes. It was clarified that, if the catcher is unable to play on the lead runner, the ball is dead, the batter is out, and the runners shall return to their bases (even if the catcher is able to play on the trail runner).
Batter’s Box Rule – It is still a point of emphasis and general rule that batters should not be granted time, but the following exceptions were noted:o Exception for safety reasons (e.g., dirt in eye)o Should be applied using common sense – e.g., if pitcher taking unusually long time to make a delivery in an effort to freeze batter/runner, it’s OK to call time at batter’s request
For non-League contests, it is the visiting team’s responsibility to avoid uniform color conflicts. (Note: For League contests, the host institution shall wear white/light colored uniforms and the visiting institution shall wear gray/dark colored uniforms.)
For non-League contests, it is recommended that umpires discuss whether the halted-suspended game rule will be used during the pregame meeting at home plate to avoid confusion once the situation arises. (Note: For League contests, if a game reaches regulation status and is then called due to inclement weather or darkness, it shall be declared an official game.)